Avanti West Coast has unveiled a train wrapped in a bespoke artwork designed to celebrate the ethnicity of employees and communities across its network.
The “Together We Roll” wrap – a brightly coloured tapestry – was produced following an idea from Avanti frontline employees to celebrate and represent people who live and work on the West Coast Main Line with a unique train.
Created by digital artist, Baraka Carberry, who describes the design as “scenes of people, culture, colours, and joy”, the artwork stretches across all seven carriages of one of the intercity operator’s new Evero trains (set number 807010).
The initiative is underpinned by Avanti West Coast’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy which is set to be launched in the coming months and will focus on fairness, respect, diversity, inclusion and engagement in the workplace.
It will also look at advancing equality and inclusion through its work with colleagues, as well as with communities, suppliers and other organisations. This strategy will aim to achieve the Investors in Diversity accreditation.
The original idea came from Avanti West Coast staff, including Onboard Customer Service Assistant, Marvia Norman and Onboard Chef, Marcia Graver who take a prominent role in recognising cultural events, such as Black History Month, as well as celebrating Ramadan and Diwali.
The train operator chose to work with Baraka – who is based in Burton upon Trent – because of her passion and experience in celebrating culture and heritage. Following a series of workshops with frontline colleagues, she brought to life their ideas – focusing on three key themes: inclusion, coming together, and future generations.
Born in Brixton, London and of Guyanese origin, Baraka, wanted to celebrate the many different cultures of Britain and connect people through “bold and unapologetic” artwork.
Reflecting on the Together We Roll train wrap, Baraka, said: “As a Black British artist, diversity and inclusion hold deep personal significance for me, making this project particularly meaningful. I envision it as a living, evolving artwork that has the potential to resonate with the public. My hope is that people will connect with the universal moments captured here and reflect on their own unique legacies.
“When we think of “legacy,” we often focus on grand, monumental achievements. However, I believe it’s the small, everyday moments—sounds, sights, and notes—that build the foundation for something much greater. True legacy evolves, growing and transcending to become something larger than life.”
Baraka added: “This project is an invitation to embrace diversity, honour intergenerational wisdom, and work together towards a thriving future. It celebrates the universal moments that connect us, while honouring our distinct perspectives. We are all icons, each contributing to a shared cultural legacy.”
Evero 807010 will be introduced into passenger service this summer – completing the roll out of Avanti West Coast’s Evero fleet. To mark the Together We Roll wrap becoming a permanent part of the train operator’s fleet, a competition will be held to name the train.
